Welcome to your wedding planning journey! The first box you need to check off is to choose your ideal wedding date. With that, you’ll be free to book your venue, photographer, and other important vendors and create a plan to ensure everything falls in the right place at the right time. Plus, the season of your wedding will influence your theme and color palette! Not to mention, this important date will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary!).
Needless to say, your wedding date determines everything from the food you serve to the type of lighting design you use. Yet, every season offers its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to put some thought behind your choice.
With all the beauty and uniqueness each season offers, let’s weigh out your options.
SPRING: March, April, and May
Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party!” — we couldn’t agree more! Flowers are blossoming, birds are singing, and it feels like everything is waking up from hibernation.
Spring is a wonderful season to get married and, naturally, one that is highly coveted. After all, nothing beats the natural beauty spring offers! From fragrant cherry blossoms to delicate peonies, the soft colors of spring will make your wedding feel like the enchanted love story fairytales are made of. Picture being surrounded by pastel colors mixed with earth tones and all the florals you can imagine. #LOVE!
Logistics-wise, spring is a great time to celebrate your wedding as most people are in town. The holidays are in the rearview mirror, but summer is still to come — your wedding day will be a day your guests eagerly await! Since many people aren’t traveling, expect those RSVPs to come in left and right.
Keep in mind, though: Spring can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. In some parts of the country, it’s not unlikely to see snow in April or a sunny 80-degree day in March. Plus, you know what they say about April showers! And, of course, spring is allergy season which can present challenges for some if planning at an outdoor venue.
SUMMER: June, July, August
Ah, summer. Longer days mean more time to party! Whether you choose to have your wedding at the beach or an outdoor garden space, there is no need to rush. The sun will hold it down for you late into the day!
The food menu tends to be more fun in the summer, too! Get creative with cheeses, fruits, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. Imagine roasting some ‘mallows at a bonfire as the perfect nightcap to your big day with your loved ones!
Into vibrant colors like coral or fuchsia? Go crazy with it! Summer weddings can accommodate any vision, and rest assured, you’ll have the flowers that you are looking for as well. That summer Pinterest wedding board can become your reality!
Now, keep in mind that most event pros book up quickly for the summer, so you will need to get the ball rolling early to ensure you have ample time to get your first choice vendors. (Also, don’t expect any wiggle room in pricing!) Summer is also the busiest season for travel — so don’t expect a 100% RSVP rate as your friends and family may already have vacations planned. Again, starting your planning journey early will help to give people enough time to plan in advance.
And let’s not forget about the heat! Consider the time of the day everything is taking place, especially if your wedding will be outdoors. The heat can be distracting and even dangerous, so be mindful of your guests’ comfort as well as your own!
FALL: September, October, November
Fall is a great time to say “I do” with a beautiful natural backdrop and favorable weather. If you are dreaming of the perfect rustic wedding, or love moody hues of deep purples, reds, and bronze, fall is for you. Want weather dependability? You guessed it; fall is perfect!
One big autumn perk is that vendors tend to be more available! Plus, as the industry heads into the off-season in most areas, rates may start to lower. Sticking to your budget is vital, and a fall wedding could potentially add a bit more spare change to your pocket. Maybe you can book a videographer after all!
Like all good things, fall presents a few challenges of its own. For one, it’s possible that your guests are tight on funds after a summer of vacations and the holiday season just around the corner. It’s possible your headcount isn’t as long as you hope.
Plus, consider that you will lose extra daylight as it gets later in the season. Though an evening fall can be cozy, you might have to adjust your photo schedule and accept that certain pictures may not be feasible. But, hey, you get pictures with all of that gorgeous foliage, so that’s a win in our book!
WINTER: December, January, February
Dreaming of a white Christmas doesn’t come close to the magical feeling of a beautiful winter wonderland wedding. The rich dark reds, blues, and silvers will make your wedding gleam with elegance!
Not to mention, a Winter wedding with fresh snow makes for lovely pictures. No snow? No problem! A photo by the fireplace wrapped in a blanket with your beloved captures the intimacy and eloquence of your big day. A winter wedding is all about getting creative and leaning into the seasonal beauty!
Another winter wedding perk? The dessert bar! Bring on the mulled cider and hot cocoa bar; lay out all the comfort snacks and drinks. Turn the cozy comfort level up to the max!
Keep in mind, though, winter weddings don’t come without the risk of a weather postponement. A sprinkle of snow is usually welcomed, but nobody wants to see feet of snow on their wedding day!
Another challenge to consider: You might have to compete with the holidays. Your guests might be using their time off to visit relatives, or their budget might be tight. Plan accordingly and give your guests grace if they choose to decline your big day.
The big takeaway here is that, no matter the season you choose, you can have the perfect wedding day of your dreams! Each season offers a unique vibe, but they also come with their own challenges. Be sure to weigh them out before making your final decision. Once you choose, lean into your season and have fun with all the possibilities!
